Bollywood Halloween Costume Ideas

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It’s almost Halloween! Some folks plan their costumes out months in advance, painting, sewing and bedazzling creative concepts and pop culture icons into completely original likenesses. Others go the traditional route of a mask or robe and just try to be as scary as possible. If you were like me growing up, you spent several years recycling old lehengas and costume jewelry to be an “Indian girl” or “gypsy.”

I remember one year in particular that my sister and I decided to dress in black faux-leather and pose as Kajol and Manisha Koirala (respectively) from the poster of 90s film Gupt. It took some true filmi nerds to recognize us but we had a blast.

I’ve thought year after year that Hindi films offer so many fabulous characters and signature “looks” that it would be really fun to come up with “filmi” Halloween costumes. Some are more appropriate for adults, but some could even work for kids!

Here were some really recognizable looks that came to mind immediately:

Ra.One: Shah Rukh Khan’s video game hero can satisfy any robot or video game enthusiast. Bonus points for doing the Chammak Challo dance!

photo: Glamsham.com

Amar Akbar Anthony: Ideal if you have three boys! Might be a little difficult procuring an accordion but still …

Hawa Hawaii: For anyone who loves gold and glitter, big hair and a certain 80s aesthetic.Shahenshah: That hair tho. Amitabh’s signature look for this movie is rough, tough and totally do-able with some silver washable hair spray.Madhumati: Cutesy and innocent, Vyjayanthimala’s look in this film would suit the young and not-so-young. Geet from Jab We Met: I’m particularly thinking of Kareena Kapoor’s look in the popular song “Yeh Ishq Haye” with the long skirt and peasant blouse.

Basanti from Sholay: Who wouldn’t love to play the feisty village belle?

Sridevi’s Nagina Costume: Dramatic, glittery white and beautiful, and no one will fault you if you want to skip the blue contact lenses.

Photo: asridevi.blogspot.com

Dimple’s 70s fashions from Bobby: All those bold prints! But watch out, some of these outfits can get a little mature for any little ones.

Zeenat Aman in Hare Rama Hare Krishna: Not a far leap from your standard hippie costume – all you need are some big tinted glasses, a flower garland or bead rudraksh mala, and a nice red tilak.

Photo: Courtesy the Hindu

Rishi Kapoor’s silver disco suit from Karz: Those in the know will be singing “Om Shanti Om” upon sight. Larger than life turntable is optional.Disco Dancer: Mithun’s sweet disco moves aren’t for everyone, but those spangly sequins costumes and headbands would certainly capture attention!

Mr. India: This could be really cute on a little guy – all you need is a floppy bucket hat, slightly oversize suit jacket and big bushy moustache. And of course those fancy glasses.

Raj from Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge: Leather jacket, jeans and a fedora with a prominent feather sticking out. Add in a mandolin and you’ll have all the ladies swooning.

Krrish: The superhero costume Hrithik donned was really just a re-hash of Neo’s outfit from The Matrix. All you have to do is cut up a Batman mask and voila!

Anarkali from Mughal-E-Azam: Stunning, lavish and utterly recognizable, Madhubala’s beautiful Anarkali costumes from Mughal-E-Azam were specially designed and stitched from Agra and Delhi.

Anjali from Kuch Kuch Hota Hai: Just find the most ill-fitting, unflattering overalls imaginable and a big wide headband. You can even carry a basketball for the complete effect. Just don’t wear Rahul’s “Cool” necklace.

Lightbulb Suit from Yaarana: This is my personal favorite idea! Saara Zamaana is such a fun song and apparently it was Amitabh Bachchan’s own idea to create the light up suit he wears in it. Nowadays it shouldn’t even be that hard to re-create with LED light ropes. If someone actually tries this please send in a picture — I’m dying to see it brought to life!

These are just a few of my ideas. I would love to hear some other concepts, or see photos if you have tried them out! Happy Trick or Treating! Here’s a bonus Bollywood Halloween song for you!

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